PEOPLE living in Waverley can now pay their council tax bills or rents online in the latest innovation introduced by the borough authority.

The online payments system can also be used for parking fines and any other council bill.

A council spokesman said it was all part of Waverley’s “commitment to deliver the best possible service” to its residents.

The traditional methods of payment, such as over the counter or by post, will still be available to customers, but it is now possible and easy to pay via the council’s website, by telephone or by direct debit.

“Making payments via the website is safe and simple, and can be made by going to www.waverley.gov.uk/payments and following the link to online 24/7 payments,” said the spokesman.

“Once the customer has entered the details of the payment they wish to make, they are then redirected to a secure HSBC website where they will be asked to enter their card details. All payment transactions are then processed in real-time by HSBC using its secure card payment system.”

No customer card details are held by Waverley, which further safeguards the security of the transaction and a receipt is e-mailed to the customer upon successful completion of a payment. In addition, a 24/7 telephone payments system is also available on 01483 861498.

“When customers contact this line they are invited to enter their payment details via the telephone keypad by following the instructions over the phone,” explained the spokesman, continuing: “All customers need is the appropriate bill that they wish to pay and a valid debit or credit card, along with a pen and paper to take down the receipt number for their records.”

Still the most simple and practical method of making regular payments offered by the council is direct debit.

“As with the other payment methods available, customers remain in complete control of their bank account and there is the added benefit of a money back guarantee if things go wrong,” said the spokesman.

“Once arranged, it remains in place until the customer changes it, so there is no need to worry about future payments. Paying by direct debit also means that there are no further charges, unlike paying by credit card, which carries a 1.5% handling fee.”

And Steve Clutterbuck, Waverley’s principal revenues officer, said: “Over 60% of Waverley’s council taxpayers choose to pay their bills by direct debit, as it saves them time and money.

“In addition, paying by direct debit is also cheaper, simpler and more efficient for the council to administer.”